Carolyn M. Somerville

Carolyn M. Somerville is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Graduate Center and Hunter College at the City University of New York (CUNY). She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan (1982). Her research focuses on International Relations, Comparative Politics, and the impact of NGOs on democracy in Africa. Dr. Somerville has contributed to interdisciplinary studies on African political dynamics, including analyses of structural adjustment policies, HIV/AIDS governance, and regional development challenges in Southern Africa and the Sahel.

Education: Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1982.

Research interests emphasize the intersection of global governance, African state-building, and civil society engagement. Her work critiques traditional political science methodologies through case studies like Senegal’s urban crises and the Sahel’s environmental aid responses. Recent publications include Women’s Realities, Women’s Choices (4th ed., 2013) and analyses of Southern African political frameworks. Her early work addressed drought and development cooperation in the Sahel (1986).

Publications reflect a trajectory from historical development studies to contemporary issues like health policy and gender equity in African contexts. No scientific awards are listed, but her contributions highlight critical engagement with underrepresented research areas in political science.